Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 401

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.

1) On Monday, we lost a respected, beloved, and talented cigar maker. Henry “Kiki” Berger—known affectionately as “Don Kiki”—passed away from complications resulting from a recent heart attack. Berger was 56. He will be remembered for his many contributions to cigars—from establishing an operation in Estelí, to launching a company (now dissolved) with Mike Argenti called Berger & Argenti, to producing such brands as J.L. Salazar and Cupido. On a personal note, StogieGuys.com will always remember Berger for his Don Kiki brand, which is still sold through Cuban Crafters, a retailer based in Miami. These cigars from Berger’s Tabacalera Estelí—particularly the Criollo-wrapped Don Kiki Brown Label—were a major contributor to our introduction to premium tobacco. We can only echo the chorus of sincere condolences that so many in the industry have proclaimed this week. Our thoughts go out to Berger’s wife, Karen, and his children, José and Nicole.

2) Officials in Boulder—a Colorado city with a population of about 100,000—are eyeing a comprehensive outdoor smoking ban for the downtown business district. The aim is to criminalize those who are taking smoke breaks to escape the statewide indoor smoking ban that took effect in 2006. The city already implemented more restrictive measures than those required by the state when, in 2009, Boulder banned smoking in enclosed porches, balconies, patios, and within 15 feet of any building entrance. In addition to the proposed outdoor business district ban, a separate ordinance is expected to be introduced in the fall that would “ban smoking in city parks, on multi-use paths, and anywhere within 25 feet of public bus stops and libraries,” according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. Typical violators would face tickets of $100, but penalties are capped at $1,000 and 90 days in jail.

3) Inside the Industry: Prometheus has expanded its God of Fire Serie Aniversario line, made to celebrate the 10th year of the introduction of the Fuente-made super-premium cigar. Available in boxes of 10 with suggested retail prices ranging from $24 to $28 per cigar, the line now consists of three perfecto vitolas.

4) Deal of the Week: Famous Smoke Shop has a variety of coupons available ranging from free shipping or humidification solution to samplers or even free boxes. The coupons can be combined with sale items, or even constantly updating Cigar Monster deals.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys